pretty scarves

Blue jasmine blossoms take shape as an expression of Java's parang kembang kotak motif. By Yuni Kristina, this elegant scarf is crafted of shimmering silk. She hand-stamps the blue patterns on the ivory textile and adds red and black designs in batik.

When that hand-painted batik scarf or Varanasi silk shawl is just too pretty to keep in a drawer or closet, display it! This hand-carved hanger from Sarwaedi is also too beautiful to hide away. The artisan carves suar wood into a beautiful jepun or frangipani motif with a natural finish. The iron portion of the hanger is detachable from the wood.

Flowers blossom among a pink fantasy of traditional Javanese batik patterns, in a silk scarf by Yuni Kristina. The dagger-like motif is known as parang, and once could only be used at the Surakarta and Jogyakarta courts. The kawung is an eight-pointed rosette set within a square, rhombus or circle, formerly reserved for the sultan's use.

When that hand-painted batik scarf or vintage dress is just too pretty to keep in a drawer or closet, display it! This hand-carved hanger from Sarwaedi is also too beautiful to hide away. The artisan carves suar wood into a beautiful sunflower motif with a natural finish. The iron portion of the hanger is detachable from the wood.

This pretty beaded bracelet is the creation of Sang Ayu Sardiwati of Bhakti Senang Hati, a foundation in Bali that assists the physically disabled attain physical and economic independence and build self-esteem. "Although we live in very limited conditions, my childhood was very happy", says artisan Sang Ayu. "I used to work carrying stones for a dam construction when I was in Junior High School so I can pay the school fee myself. Unfortunately the dam suddenly collapse and huge stones broke my leg. Now I have to use a prosthesis everywhere. I was so depressed, very not confident after the accident, I usually hide and shy whenever people visiting our home. But finally my spirit is back after I saw my parents were crying because my depressed condition. After pray to God, I feel more patient and strong. I even graduated from a university, and I start making handicrafts. After I joined the Foundation, I met my husband and now we have 3 boys." The stretch bracelet is crafted from scarlet ceramic beads alternating with albesia wood beads in light and dark finishes.

Yuni Kristina captures the romance of sunset on a bright silk scarf. A superb example of batik art, this is a study in casual elegance. The design was inspired by tamarind leaves.

Each motif is created by hand, as evidenced by the occasional pencil mark or slight color variations.

Shimmering shades of blue and cream cover this elegant scarf. Yuni Kristina recreates the parang raja. One of many traditional batik motifs, it symbolizes the ancient Javanese kingdom in general. She stamps the blue patterns in pure silk and adds the red blossoms with the batik motif.